Exploring the linguistic landscapes of Transnistria

In this study, I explore several particularities of the linguistic landscapes (LLs) of Transnistria. This region is located between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, to which it de jure belongs. However, it operates de facto as an internationally unrecognized, yet functionally independent state entity with its own currency, army and parliament. According to the current legal situation, there are three official languages in Transnistria: Russian, Moldovan and Ukrainian. But, in practice, Russian is used almost exclusively throughout the territory. I argue that Transnistria’s LLs are not oriented towards language policy guidelines but privilege those languages that play a central role in the education system and in international communication, namely Russian, as the most frequently used language, and English as an important global foreign language.